US university reverses decision to bar Iranian students from some graduate programs

AMHERST, Massachusetts – The University of Massachusetts at Amherst has reversed its decision to ban Iranian nationals from admission to certain graduate programs in engineering and science.

Wednesday's announcement comes on the heels of the university's controversial decision last week to bar Iranian students. Officials said then that the move aligned school policy with U.S. sanctions against Iran.

The university says it will develop individualized study plans based on a student's projected coursework to meet the requirements of federal sanctions law.

Congress enacted legislation in August 2012 that denies visas for Iranian citizens to study in the U.S. if they plan to participate in coursework for a career in the energy or nuclear fields in Iran.

The university says consultation with the State Department and private attorneys led to reversal of the policy.